Ironing pad and related method of ironing

ABSTRACT

An ironing pad includes at least a top layer and a bottom layer. The top layer is constructed of fabric and has a first coefficient of friction. The bottom layer has at least a bottom surface with a second coefficient of friction. The bottom layer is constructed of silicone rubber. The silicone rubber covers an entirety of a bottom surface. The second coefficient of friction is greater than the first coefficient of friction. The bottom surface defines a uniform and substantially flat surface when the ironing pad is oriented in a planar configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/437,851 filed 22 Dec. 2016. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to ironing pads. The present disclosure more particularly relates to an ironing pad for quilting, for example. Even more particularly, the present disclosure relates to an ironing pad that lies completely flat without any fabric wrinkles to satisfy various quilting needs such as ironing seams flat, for example. The present disclosure also relates to a method of ironing.

BACKGROUND

Currently, quilters use an ironing board, or ironing pads to iron the seams of the quilt blocks flat. Firm, flat surfaces are best.

In general, conventional ironing pads fail to provide a completely flat surface that is desirable for quilting and other ironing tasks. Also, the ironing pads already available are not stable on all surfaces and may slide during ironing. Even those with some type of rubber backing tend to slide, do not lie sufficiently flat and are not stable during the ironing process.

While known ironing pads for quilting and other ironing needs may have proven to be generally suitable for their intended uses, a continuous need for advancement in the relevant art is needed.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one particular aspect, the present teachings provide an ironing pad including a top layer of fabric and a bottom layer. The top layer of fabric has a first coefficient of friction. The bottom layer has a bottom surface with a second coefficient of friction covering an entirety thereof. The second coefficient of friction is greater than the first coefficient of friction.

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide an ironing pad having a top layer of fabric and a bottom layer. The top layer has a first coefficient of friction. The bottom layer has a bottom surface with a second coefficient of friction. The bottom layer is constructed of silicone rubber. The silicone rubber covers an entirety of a bottom surface. The second coefficient of friction is greater than the first coefficient of friction. The bottom surface defines a uniform and substantially flat surface when the ironing pad is oriented in a planar configuration.

In accordance with yet another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a method of ironing including providing an ironing pad having a top layer of fabric with a first coefficient of friction and a bottom layer. The bottom layer has a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a second coefficient of friction greater than the first coefficient of friction. The method additionally includes orienting the ironing pad to a planar configuration atop a planar support surface such that the bottom surface defines a uniform flat surface in surface contact with the planar support surface. The method further includes placing an article atop the top layer of the ironing pad and ironing the article with an iron.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an ironing pad for constructed in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken through the ironing pad of the present teachings.

FIG. 3 is bottom view of the ironing pad of the present teachings.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the general steps of a method in accordance with the present teachings.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, an ironing pad in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 10. The ironing pad 10 may be used for quilting, for example. In this regard and as will be appreciated more fully below, the ironing pad 10 provides a portable device that can easily and readily be taken various locales for quilting. It will be understood, however, that the ironing pad 10 of the present teachings is not limited for quilting uses. In this regard, the ironing pad 10 of the present teachings may be used by travelers, for example. The traveler may pack the ironing pad 10 for use away from home or hotels may provide a compact device for convenient in-room use.

As illustrated, the ironing pad 10 of the present teachings may be generally rectangular in shape, having a length X, a width Y and a thickness Z. In one particular application, the length X is approximately 14 inches, the width Y is approximately 10 inches and the thickness Z is approximately 0.50 inches. In another particular application, the length X is approximately 25 inches, the width Y is approximately 17 inches and the thickness Z is approximately 0.50 inches. It will be understood, that the ironing pad 10 may have other dimensions and shapes within the scope of the present teachings. It will also be understood that the relative dimensions may be varied within the scope of the present teachings.

As illustrated in the drawings, the ironing pad 10 may include a top layer of fabric 12 and a bottom layer 14. The ironing pad 10 may also include one or more intermediate layers 16 between the top and bottom layers 12 and 14. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the ironing pad 10 includes first and second intermediate layers 16A and 16B.

The top layer of fabric 12 may be constructed of a material suitable for ironing. For example, the top layer 12 may be constructed of a non-flammable, silver fabric. Alternatively, the top layer 12 may be constructed of a cotton fabric. Other known materials may be alternatively incorporated within the scope of the present teachings. The top layer has a first coefficient of friction.

The bottom layer 14 has a bottom surface 14A with a second coefficient of friction. The bottom layer 14 may be constructed of a non-porous material having a second coefficient of friction that is greater than the first coefficient of friction. The second coefficient of friction may be of any value to prevent sliding of the iron pad 10 when the ironing pad is used on a desk or counter, for example. The bottom layer 14 may be constructed of silicone rubber. The silicone rubber may be embedded with fiberglass. The silicone rubber may cover an entirety of the bottom surface 14A. Importantly, the bottom surface 14A defines a uniform and substantially flat surface when the ironing pad is oriented in a planar configuration. Explaining further, the bottom layer 14 is constructed of a material that is not subject to wrinkling and therefore is able to lay flatter than an ironing pad having a bottom layer constructed of a cotton fabric, similar material or an ironing pad including rubber portions that do not cover the entire bottom surface. The bottom layer 14, however, is constructed of a material that allows the ironing pad 10 to be configured to a rolled or folded orientation.

The silicone rubber of the bottom layer 14 may be a heat resistant, silicone rubber. Again, the silicone layer 14 importantly gives the ironing pad 10 support and allows the ironing pad 10 to lay flat without wrinkling. In addition, the silicone layer 14 functions to maintain a stable ironing surface.

The at least one intermediate layer 16 may provide cushioning for the ironing pad 10. The first intermediate layer 16A may be constructed of a thin layer of cotton or polyester batting. Other known materials may be alternatively incorporated. The second intermediate layer 16B may be positioned immediately adjacent the top layer of fabric 12 and may be constructed of an open cell foam. The second intermediate layer 16B may allow the top layer of fabric 12 to lie more flat.

The top layer of fabric 12 and the bottom layer 14 may be secured to one other in any suitable manner. For example, the top and bottom layers 12 and 14 may be sewn together with 100% cotton piping 18 around the perimeter of the ironing pad 10.

Turning to the flow diagram of FIG. 4, the general steps of the method of the present teachings will be described. In accordance with a first general step 100, an ironing pad 10 is provided having a top layer of fabric 12 with a first coefficient of friction and a bottom layer 14. The bottom layer 14 has a bottom surface 14A. The bottom surface 14A has a second coefficient of friction greater than the first coefficient of friction.

In accordance with a second general step 102, the ironing pad 10 is oriented to a planar configuration atop a planar support surface such that the bottom surface 14A defines a uniform flat surface in surface contact with the planar support surface.

In accordance with a third general step 104, an article is placed atop the top layer 12 of the ironing pad 10.

In accordance with a fourth general step 106, the article is ironed with an iron.

As shown in the figures, the construction of the ironing pad 10 allows the ironing pad 10 to lay completely flat. Importantly, there is no wrinkling of the top, non-flammable fabric layer 12, thereby providing for greater ease in pressing seams flat of quilt blocks. The bottom layer 14 of the ironing pad 10 provides an ironing pad that will not move, or slide while ironing quilt blocks, for example.

Accordingly, it will now be understood that the present teachings provide an ironing pad having a unique layered construction that provides a firm, smooth ironing experience. The 100% silicone (0.7 mm thickness) back provides an added protection to any surface and prevents sliding on virtually any surface. Heat reflective material helps the fabric absorb heat. The ironing pad 10 easily folds or rolls for travel to classes, for example, and yet quickly lays flat for a firm and smooth ironing surface. The ironing pad 10 of the present teachings may be used in any room and may be used on any surface.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 

1. An ironing pad comprising: a top layer of fabric having a first coefficient of friction; and a bottom layer having a bottom surface, the bottom surface having second coefficient of friction covering an entirety thereof, the second coefficient of friction being greater than the first coefficient of friction.
 2. The ironing pad of claim 1, further comprising at least one intermediate layer between the top layer and bottom layer.
 3. The ironing pad of claim 2, wherein the at least one intermediate layer includes a first intermediate layer selected from a material consisting of polyester batting and cotton batting.
 4. The ironing pad of claim 2, wherein the at least one intermediate layer is constructed of an open cell foam.
 5. The ironing pad of claim 2, wherein the at least one intermediate layer includes a first intermediate layer and a second intermediate layer, the first intermediate layer selected from a material consisting of polyester batting and cotton batting, the second intermediate layer constructed of an open cell foam.
 6. The ironing pad of claim 2, wherein the at least one intermediate layer includes a first intermediate layer and a second intermediate layer, the first intermediate layer selected from a material consisting of polyester batting and cotton batting, the second intermediate layer constructed of an open cell foam.
 7. The ironing pad of claim 4, wherein the open cell foam is positioned immediately adjacent the top layer of fabric.
 8. The ironing pad of claim 1, wherein the ironing pad is configurable to a rolled orientation.
 9. The ironing pad of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface defines a uniform and substantially flat surface when the ironing pad is oriented in a planar configuration.
 10. An ironing pad comprising: a top layer of fabric having a first coefficient of friction; and a bottom layer having at least a bottom surface with a second coefficient of friction, the bottom layer constructed of silicone rubber, the silicone rubber covering an entirety of the bottom surface, the second coefficient of friction being greater than the first coefficient of friction, wherein the bottom surface defines a uniform and substantially flat surface when the ironing pad is oriented in a planar configuration.
 11. The ironing pad of claim 10, further comprising at least one intermediate layer between the top layer and bottom layer.
 12. The ironing pad of claim 11, wherein the at least one intermediate layer includes a first intermediate layer selected from a material consisting of polyester batting and cotton batting.
 13. The ironing pad of claim 11, wherein the at least one intermediate layer is constructed of an open cell foam.
 14. The ironing pad of claim 11, wherein the at least one intermediate layer includes a first intermediate layer and a second intermediate layer, the first intermediate layer selected from a material consisting of polyester batting and cotton batting, the second intermediate layer constructed of an open cell foam, the open cell foam positioned immediately adjacent the top layer of fabric.
 15. The ironing pad of claim 14, wherein the ironing pad is configurable to a rolled orientation.
 16. A method of ironing comprising: providing an ironing pad having a top layer of fabric with a first coefficient of friction and a bottom layer, the bottom layer having a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a second coefficient of friction greater than the first coefficient of friction; orienting the ironing pad to a planar configuration atop a planar support surface such that the bottom surface defines a uniform flat surface in surface contact with the planar support surface; placing an article atop the top layer of the ironing pad; and ironing the article with an iron. 